Seven-day luxury charter itinerary
THAILAND
With ancient temples, pristine beaches, exotic food and world-class diving spots, this Southeast Asian country is an unmissable cruising destination. BOAT curates your ultimate charter itinerary...
ADOBE STOCK
ADOBE STOCK
GETTY IMAGES
GETTY IMAGES
GETTY IMAGES
GETTY IMAGES
HU CHEN - UNSPLASH
HU CHEN - UNSPLASH
THE ITINERARY
Old Phuket Town
Touch down at Phuket International Airport and meet the yacht at Royal Yacht Marina, where the crew will welcome you on board with lunch as you begin to cruise south.
Following a short cruise, drop anchor 10 nautical miles south in the bay of the Mueang Phuket District, home to Old Phuket Town. Meander past the brightly painted, century-old Sino-Portuguese townhouses and along roads dotted with street vendors.
On the way back to the yacht, divert to Wat Chalong, the largest of Phuket’s temples, set within immaculate grounds and filled with golden statues.
Known locally as Wat Chaitararam, Wat Chalong is one of the area’s most important Buddhist temples
THE ITINERARY
Koh Ba Ngu
Following an early morning cruise 75 nautical miles north-west, arrive at Koh Ba Ngu, the northernmost of the Similan Islands. The archipelago of nine islets is covered in thick forest and considered one of the world’s finest diving spots.
After a light breakfast, those who want to dive can head to Christmas Point where the depths are abundant with healthy coral, rays and moray eels and leopard and whitetip reef sharks.
For a more advanced spot try Elephant Head Rock, south in the archipelago, with excellent visibility and huge boulders. Spend the afternoon on the beach and exploring the archipelago’s warm, turquoise shallows.
Phang Nga Bay
In the early morning the yacht will weigh anchor and cruise just over 100 nautical miles east around Phuket to Phang Nga Bay.
Arriving at sunrise, you can watch as the morning sun illuminates the small islands of Ao Phang Nga National Park, home to the seemingly gravity- defying Ko Tapu, or James Bond Island, which featured in The Man with the Golden Gun.
Kayak around the verdant limestone karst towers before taking lunch on board, the grassy islets towering above the aft deck. In the afternoon cruise 11 nautical miles south-east to Koh Yao Noi.
Spend the afternoon at Phang Nga Bay and visit the Six Senses resort, where you can enjoy a Thai massage on the tropical hillside.
IMAGES: GETTY IMAGES, STEVE VIDLER - ALAMY STOCK PHOTO, RESTAURANT, ADOBE STOCK
Watch as the morning sun illuminates the small islands of Ao Phang Nga National Park
Tubkaek Beach
Enjoy a breakfast sunrise before cruising seven nautical miles east to Tubkaek Beach in the Krabi province. Home to craggy, sheer limestone cliffs, a buzzing shoreline, beautiful beaches and golden temples, it’s a popular destination.
Head to shore where a car will whisk you to the base of Wat Tham Suea Krabi, a Buddhist temple protruding from the rainforest. It’s a strenuous 1,260-step climb to the summit, but well worth the effort.
For dinner, head to Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, to the fine-dining seafood restaurant, Lae Lay, which overlooks the bay.
It’s a strenuous 1,260-step climb to the summit, but well worth the effort
Railay Beach
In the morning cruise down to Railay Beach, flanked with limestone cliffs and only accessible by boat – it’s best visited early to avoid the crowds.
Kayak around the scatter of islets and snorkel among the colourful reef fish. As people begin to descend on the beach, return to the yacht and cruise three nautical miles south to Ko Poda.
This picture-perfect island is a great spot to make the most of the yacht’s toy box and jet ski in the deep surrounds of the island. Spend the evening dining on the beach’s powder-white sand.
Only accessible by boat, the spectacular Railay Beach is a great spot for snorkelling, kayaking and rock climbing
IMAGES: ADOBE STOCK, GETTY IMAGES
Ko Phi Phi
A charter in the Andaman Sea wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Ko Phi Phi. Arrive just before daybreak after a 12-nautical-mile cruise south and wake up early to catch the sunrise over these two connected islands.
Head to shore and peruse the market vendors that line the Phi Phi Market in Ton Sai Village. This is the place to try street food including Moo Ping (grilled pork skewers) and authentic Som Tam, a spicy papaya salad.
Famous for its seafood, Phi Phi Don is home to waterfront restaurants that specialise in local seafood; choose from low-key eateries such as Pirates House and Acqua Restaurant.
Koh Lanta
Located just off the mainland, the yacht will arrive in Koh Lanta just before breakfast, after a 16-nautical-mile cruise towards the mainland.
Drop anchor on the southeast coast of the island and explore Koh Lanta’s old town, which has a teak stilted local restaurant and small shops to pick up souvenirs. Visit the small Buddhist temple of Wat Ko Lanta just outside the old town before heading back to the yacht for lunch.
See the day out on Long Beach on the north of the island to soak up some Thai sun before your final evening on board. The yacht will cruise back to Phuket and see you safely off the following morning.
First published in the April 2024 issue of BOAT International. Get this magazine sent straight to your door, or subscribe and never miss an issue.